Man, 54, dies in Royal Hobart Hospital after alleged one-punch attack at Mobius Lounge Bar

UPDATED: Tasmania is looking to other states to find the best model for implementing one-punch laws, says Police Minister Michael Ferguson. His comments follow the death of a 54-year-old man in an alleged one-punch attack at a Hobart nightclub.

The man injured in the alleged nightclub attack was treated in the Royal Hobart Hospital but later died.

UPDATED: TASMANIA is looking to other states to find the best model for implementing one-punch laws.

Police Minister Michael Ferguson said on Wednesday the State Government was committed to getting tougher one-punch laws through State Parliament.

His comments follow the death of a 54-year-old man after an alleged one-punch attack at a Hobart nightclub.

Hobart CIB is reviewing its investigation into the February 24 incident following the man’s death in the Royal Hobart Hospital at the weekend. Assault charges laid against an 18-year-old man from West Moonah could be upgraded.

“We’re committed to implementing one-punch laws,” Mr Ferguson said.

“We’ve struggled with this and getting bipartisan support in the past. We’re taking a very careful approach so that we can actually get it through the parliament.

“Right now our Justice Department is doing a jurisdictional review, which means we’re looking at every other state and territory and finding the model that will work for Tasmania.”

“It’s a really important need in our legal system.

“It’s another example where at times the law has failed families in Tasmania.

“That’s why Elise Archer … as Attorney-General and our government under Will Hodgman have made it very clear that we are committed to one-punch legislative reform and we are going to find the best model for our state and we’re going to bring it to parliament and we’re committed to making it law.”

Labor spokeswoman Sarah Lovell said her party would consider carefully any legislation that came before parliament.

“We support safety in the community, we support the idea that people need to be able to trust that they can go out and come home safely but any legislative change will be the responsibility of the government of the day,” she said.

Tasmanian Hospitality Association CEO Steve Old said the industry was working with the State Government on the new laws but individuals also needed to take responsibility for their bad behaviour.

“The THA has been supporting the national campaign by boxing great Danny Green (Stop the coward’s punch campaign) for some years now and we will continue to grow that campaign further in Tasmania,” Mr Old said.

“Calls for lockout laws and other such changes are simply ignoring the reason for these incidents.

“Individuals need to take responsibility for their actions and understand that fighting and punching other individuals is cowardly and should be done in the boxing ring, not outside.”

EARLIER: A MAN who was allegedly punched in the face during an altercation at a Hobart nightclub has died in hospital.

The 54-year-old’s death has sparked fresh calls for Tasmania to change its stance on lockout laws and other alcohol harm-minimisation measures.

Hobart CIB is reviewing its investigation into the alleged assault following the man’s death at the weekend and the assault charges laid against an 18-year-old man from Moonah could be upgraded.

The alleged assault occurred in the early hours of February 24 at the Mobius Lounge Bar on Hobart’s waterfront.

Police allege the victim was involved in an argument with another patron.

“The argument escalated and culminated with the other patron striking the victim to the face once,” Hobart CIB said in a statement.

The victim suffered a facial injury and was treated at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

His condition later deteriorated and he was subsequently transferred to the Intensive Care Unit.

An investigation was undertaken by the victims unit and an 18-year-old man from West Moonah was arrested and charged.

MORE TASSIE NEWS TODAY

TAKE TWO FOR HUON BLUES AND ROOTS

HOBART MUSIC LEGEND DIES AT 70

FINE DEFAULTERS RACK UP DEBTS

LEGAL QUERY OVER PLASTICS BAN

HANSON JETS IN TO TARGET TASSIE VOTES

STATE GOVERNMENT JOINS BUILDING HEIGHTS DEBATE

“Sadly, the victim subsequently passed away over the weekend. The matter is now under review and further investigations are being undertaken, including assessment of post-mortem findings once they become available,” police said on Tuesday.

“The current charge of assault will be reviewed and the evidence will be assessed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“Our sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of the victim. Hobart CIB is liaising closely with senior next of kin as to the processes involved going forward.”

Concern over assaults outside Tasmanian nightclubs and other drinking establishments prompted calls by Deakin University researchers in 2016 for a “last drinks at 2am” policy to be introduced in the name of public safety.

The State Government said at the time it had no plans to follow other states and introduce measures to reduce the late-night availability of alcohol.

On Tuesday, advocate and PhD scholar at the University of Newcastle Tony Brown reiterated his calls for Tasmania to follow the lead of other states and introduce a package of evidence-based measures to curb the supply of alcohol at late-night drinking establishments.

Mr Brown said the package of conditions introduced in Newcastle over the past decade — including reducing the cut-off alcohol serving time from 5am to 2am — had seen the number of inner-city licensed venues increase along with a greater safety, diversity and vibrancy in the city at night.

“Deaths due to assaults are the tip of the alcohol harm iceberg and for every fatality there are many more people left with brain injuries and disabilities,” he said.

“These incidents are preventable and all governments have a degree of culpability if they continue to ignore the overwhelming scientific evidence that modest reductions in late drinking hours can derive disproportionate lifesaving measures.

“Governments have a sworn duty to protect the public, not commercial interests.

“I am concerned the alcohol industry and its supporters may seek to conceal the proven life and cost saving benefits – including business prosperity, diversity, safety and many more jobs – from modest reductions in late trading hours compared with much less effective one-way door [lockout] rules.”

Police want to hear from any witnesses to the incident who have not already been interviewed.

Information can be provided to Hobart CIB on 61732603 or anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.